General
French Embassy Partners With Mak to Host International Debate on The Geopolitics of Kampala
The Embassy of France in Uganda and Makerere University have agreed to partner to host an International Debate on the Geopolitics of Kampala in the last quarter of 2018. This event derives its origin from the Geopolitics of Nantes; an annual event currently in its sixth year, organised by the French Think Tank – International Strategic Research Institute (IRIS) and hosted by French town of Nantes.
During a high level meeting held on Thursday, 3rd May 2018 in the Office of the Vice Chancellor, Makerere University, H.E Stéphanie Rivoal, the Ambassador of France to Uganda revealed that the two-day interactive and dynamic event in Kampala will create a platform for dialogue and exchange of ideas cutting across contemporary, local and international Geopolitics.
The Geopolitics of Kampala event will bring on board Makerere University Professors, researchers, staff, students, Ugandans and regional experts as well as researchers from France and Germany to engage in interactive debates.
“The event will provide a platform for researchers from France to interact and network with their counterparts in East Africa. The intellectual debate will include formal round tables, interactive and creative discussions in an open space where participants will present their ideas for discussion using the most convenient formats,” said the Ambassador.
With delight, H.E Stéphanie Rivoal proclaimed the choice of Makerere University to host the Geopolitics of Kampala event. “We will hold the event at the emblematic University of Makerere, one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in sub-Saharan Africa, where many African leaders were trained.”
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe applauded H.E Stéphanie Rivoal for choosing to partner with Makerere University. “We thank you for honouring us to host this very important event. A university should be a centre of intellectual debates. Makerere University Management, Professors, researchers, staff, alumni and students are ready to participate in the Geopolitics of Kampala event and to engage international participants in numerous topics on worldwide geopolitics,” he said.
The Vice Chancellor nominated Dr. Eria Hisali to be the Makerere University focal person in the coordination of Geopolitics of Kampala event. Dr. Hisali who is also the Principal of the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) has a wealth of experience in coordination of international events and will reach out to Principals, Professors, researchers and students to come up with topics for the intellectual debate.
With humility, Dr. Hisali confirmed his readiness to serve and used the golden opportunity to pitch the idea of holding the International debate on Geopolitics of Kampala annually.
The Vice Chancellor, Professor Nawangwe reiterated that the proposed Annual International Debate on Geopolitics will go further in cementing the relationship between Makerere University and France.
Other partners involved in the Geopolitics of Kampala Event include: The French Think Tank (IRIS), the German Adenauer Foundation, UN Women and the Alliance Francaise de Kampala.
Article by: Ritah Namisango, Public Relations Office
Organised by the Makerere Debating Union – a student-led initiative, the Inter-college Debate Tournament was held on 11th and 12th April 2025 with a vision to leave no student behind by nurturing a community of confident, articulate, and visionary leaders who will drive positive change in society. The tournament was held in three preliminary rounds, followed by semi-finals and a grand finale.
The first round covered democracy and youth participation in politics, while the second round covered inequality and wealth distribution, and the third, the ban on export of raw materials. The semi-final round debated apprenticeship for blue-collar jobs, while the grand finale debated national budget allocations for healthcare and education. In the spirit of inclusivity, all colleges, including the Jinja Campus participated in the tournament.
Commenting on the choice of topics, the organisers noted Makerere University as a bastion of academic excellence has a profound responsibility to cultivate the next generation of leaders who will shape the future of our nation. These leaders, they added, ought to be equipped with 21st century skills of self-expression, critical thinking, and problem-solving so as to navigate the complexities of an ever-evolving world.
On the whole, Makerere Inter-college Debates were conceived as a strategic initiative to foster a culture of intellectual curiosity, creativity, and innovation. The Debating Union aims to empower the future leaders by providing a platform for students to engage in respectful discourse, articulate their thoughts, as well as develop their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Furthermore, the Debates serve as a platform for not only honing the intellectual prowess of students but also cultivating leadership skills, teamwork, and communication abilities that are essential for success in an increasingly complex and interconnected world. It is envisaged that this initiative will have a lasting impact on the lives of students, by exposing them to debates on topical issues that can shape the mindsets of transformative leaders our nation needs.
After a thrilling two days of debate, Daphine Kemigisha and Jibril Ssekandi from the School of Law (SoL) emerged as winners of the Makerere University Inter-college Debate Tournament 2025, while Olara Emmanuel George from the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB) was the Public Speech Champion, and Namujuzi Martha Mociita from the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) was the Poetry Champion.
The 2025 Tournament was organized by Mayanja Owen and Nkalubo Oprah – 91st Guild Representative Councils (GRCs) of the Debate Union, Akatwijuka Arthur – Chairperson Debate Union, and Debate Union Representatives from colleges. The Uganda National NGO Forum (UNNGOF) partnered with the Debate Union to deliver the 2025 edition.
Addressing students at the award ceremony, UNNGOF’s Mr. Derrick Baluuku encouraged the youth to step out of their comfort zones and think of solutions to inspire change in their communities.
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